Argenta-Oreana Middle School

What time does school begin and end?

First hour begins at 8:10 a.m. and the school day ends at 3:04 p.m. Students should be dropped off at the High School Entrance. Students should not be dropped off at school before 7:45 a.m. After school, students may be picked up in the middle/high school parking lot.

How do I let the school know if my child is ill and not able to attend school?

Any information regarding absences, vacations, doctor’s appointments, bus passes, special arrangements for picking up students, etc, please call the middle school office, 795-2163. All communication relating to these situations must be communicated with the office first. All notes should be given to the office.

When an unanticipated absence from school occurs, parents should call the middle school office between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on the morning of the absence or leave a message at

217-795-2163. Calls made by students will not be accepted as appropriate. When you call in your child, please state your name and your relationship to the student; give the student’s name, and the reason for the absence. All three schools have automated phone systems that allow you to call in your student ill before 8:00 a.m. If your child is very ill the night before school and you know they will not attend the next day, please call them in and leave a message.

How do I purchase breakfast and/or lunch?

Students should bring meal money in an envelope to their first period teacher or to the middle school office. It is recommended that students bring checks to school not cash. If paying for more than one students’ meals, write the names and amounts in the check memo. Middle school breakfast is $1.45 and lunch is $2.25. Students may purchase one lunch and may purchase an extra milk.

What are the guidelines for a pre-arranged absence?

A written request for assignments should be submitted one week prior to a planned absence (forms are available in the middle school office).

The student must be with his/her parent, grandparent, or guardian.

The student must obtain a permission slip from the building principal at the time of parent contact.

The permission slip must be signed by each of the student’s teachers indicating that the student has made arrangements for completing all necessary assignments missed while absent from classes.

The permission slip must be returned to the middle school office principal prior to departure.

If absent, how many days do I have to make up work?

Middle school students will be given one school day for each excused day absence to make-up work. In essence, upon returning to school the student will have the same number of days that they were absent to make-up the work. A maximum of ten school days will be allowed for lengthy absences with all assignments due in class on the eleventh school day unless special circumstances warrant an extension with administrator approval.

When a student comes to the office sick, how is it determined whether or not a student is sent home?

If a student has a temperature of 99.4 or above, they are automatically sent home. Students may also be sent home if they are physically getting sick at school or continuously complaining about their health. The office staff uses their best judgement to determine if a parent should be called if there is no fever or vomiting. When students initially complain of a headache or stomachache, they try an ice pack or crackers first.

Can my student take medication at school for something simple like a cough?

A student may bring cough drops to school along with a note from a parent. Any other medications follow our handbook policy listed below.

Taking medication during school hours or during school-related activities is prohibited unless it is necessary for a student’s health and well-being. When a student’s licensed health care provider and parent/guardian believe that it is necessary for the student to take a medication during school hours or school-related activities, the parent/guardian must request that the school dispense the medication to the child by completing a “School Medication Authorization Form.”

No school or district employee is allowed to administer to any student, or supervise a student’s self-administration of, any prescription or non-prescription medication until a completed and signed School Medication Authorization Form is submitted by the student’s parent/guardian. No student is allowed to possess or consume any prescription or non-prescription medication on school grounds or at a school-related function other than as provided for in this procedure.

Where can I access a schedule of the extra curricular activities?

What do I do if my child is struggling in a particular class?

We strive to maintain open lines of communication between home and school. We are also a “Chain of Command” school district. This means that we believe in communicating with those most likely to help address concerns or answer questions. If you are concerned about the progress of your child in a particular class, please call the school at (217) 795-2163, and ask to speak to your child’s teacher. You may also email the teacher using the email list that can be found at www.argenta-oreana.org under the Teacher Info tab.

How can I monitor my student’s academic progress?

Student grades and academic progress as well as additional announcements can be found at www.teacherease.com You can get your account information from our District Technology Coordinator Mr. Tom Altig. He can be reached by phone at (217) 795-4821 or email at taltig@argenta-oreana.org

What is academic late stay?

If your child is not performing to his or her ability in any core class, an academic late stay may be recommended. During academic late stay, your child may get one-on-one help from the referring teacher after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays until 3:30 p.m. and then they may get additional help by the supervisor until 4:30 p.m.

Who is eligible to ride the late stay bus?

Students who stay after school for academic assistance, whether attending academic late stay or working with a teacher are eligible to ride the late stay bus. Students are not to ride the late stay bus for extracurricular practices or events.

How do I sign up for academic late stay?

Read and return the signed parent permission form and turn into the office.

Student must sign up in Mrs. O’Connor’s Room 127 by 1:00 p.m. on the day of late stay.

What time will I get home from late stay?

The Late Stay Bus leaves the school at 4:30 p.m. Students will get off at their regular bus stop and arrive home between 4:45 -5:30 p.m.

Does the school utilize social media to communicate information?

Yes, all of our buildings utilize social media to communicate information to the general public.

Other than Athletics, what other extra-curricular activities and clubs are available?

Book Club

Kindness Club

Scholastic Bowl

Student Committee

Do I get to choose any classes?

Band

Chorus

One semester of Music Appreciation and one semester of Art

Is a uniform required for PE? How do I get my PE uniform?

Yes. PE uniforms can be ordered at registration. Shirts are $10.00 and shorts are $12.00.

What do I do if I have a conflict with another student?

It is always appropriate to talk to your teachers or an administrator regarding conflict or issues with other students.

What if I have locker problems?

You can ask for your locker number and combination in the Office. You can also access your locker and combination on our student data management website at www.teacherease.com If you have mechanical issues with your locker, you should notify a teacher or administrator and ask for assistance to get it repaired.

Is there someone I can talk to if I am having problems?

All of our teachers are able to assist you. Additionally, Ms. Jessica Hill is our School Social Worker and is available to assist you.